I've been here for 18 years and Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. You can expect to pay around $917 for rent here. Poverty rate is 17.3%, which is higher than I expected. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
10 Replies
Madeline C.
good to know, thanks
40 upvotes
Kaylee Diaz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Luna Ramirez
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
31 upvotes
Aiden R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Nashville about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Axel M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Nicholas White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 48, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Atlanta, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
24 upvotes
Julian Jimenez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Roman Rodriguez
couldn't agree more
7 upvotes
Claire Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Road conditions need improvement. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Emmett E.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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